Best Credit Cards for Expats Netherlands 2026

The credit card situation in the Netherlands is one of the more frustrating discoveries for new expats. You arrive, you open a Dutch bank account, and then you try to apply for a credit card — only to be told that your application cannot be processed because you have no Dutch credit history. No Dutch credit history because you just arrived. The classic catch-22.

I went through this myself. I had a solid credit history in the UK, a good salary in the Netherlands, and I still got rejected by two Dutch issuers in my first year. Here is everything I learned, plus what has changed since then.

The Dutch Credit Card Problem: Why It Is Hard for Expats

Dutch banks and credit card issuers rely almost entirely on BKR (Bureau Krediet Registratie) data when assessing applications. BKR is the Dutch equivalent of Experian or Equifax — it tracks every credit product you have ever held in the Netherlands, your repayment history, and any defaults.

If you have just arrived in the Netherlands, your BKR file is empty. To most automated approval systems, an empty BKR file looks like a risk. It does not matter that you have years of perfect credit history in Germany, the UK, or the United States — that data is not in BKR, and it does not count.

The result: most traditional Dutch credit card applications from expats in their first year are declined automatically. Some banks will tell you this openly. Others will just say “we cannot process your application at this time” without explanation.

There are ways around this, and the workarounds have improved significantly in the last few years. But it helps to understand the landscape first.

What Builds BKR History

• Opening a Dutch bank account with a Dutch NL IBAN (does not itself create a BKR entry, but is a prerequisite)
• Taking out a Dutch mobile phone subscription (postpaid) in your own name
• Paying rent via direct debit from a Dutch account (not a BKR entry but shows account management)
• Any Dutch loan, credit card, or overdraft (once approved — a catch-22 in itself)
• After 6-12 months of the above, some issuers will reconsider your application

The fastest way to build Dutch credit history is the phone contract route: get a postpaid subscription with KPN, T-Mobile, or Vodafone in your first months. This creates a BKR entry and starts the clock.

Your Options: Ranked by Accessibility for New Expats

1. American Express Netherlands — Best Traditional Option

Amex is the most accessible traditional credit card for expats because it runs its own credit assessment rather than relying solely on BKR. They look at income, employment stability, and your relationship with Amex internationally.

The cards available in the Netherlands:

For new expats: The Amex Green or Gold is the realistic starting point. You need a Dutch bank account and proof of income, but Amex is notably more willing than Dutch banks to approve applicants with limited Dutch history. Several of my clients have been approved within their first six months.

Downsides: Amex acceptance is weaker in the Netherlands than in the US or UK. Smaller Dutch shops, many supermarkets, and some restaurants do not accept it. You will often still need a Maestro or Mastercard/Visa debit card alongside it.

How to apply: Directly via americanexpress.com/nl.

2. ICS Visa — The Standard Dutch Credit Card

ICS (International Card Services) is a subsidiary of ABN AMRO and issues the most widely-used Dutch Visa credit cards. ICS Visa cards are available through ABN AMRO, ING, and directly via ICS.

Available cards:

For new expats: ICS checks BKR. If you have no Dutch credit history, approval is unlikely in your first year. The exception is if you bank with ABN AMRO or ING and have maintained a positive account balance and salary deposits for 6-12 months — in that case, apply through your bank rather than directly, as they can see your internal account data.

ICS credit limits start conservatively (typically EUR 1,000-2,500 for new applicants) and increase over time as you build a repayment track record.

If you have a Dutch bank account with ABN AMRO or ING, ask your relationship manager about a credit card application after 6-12 months of account history.

3. Bunq Metal — Best Fintech Credit Card Option

The bunq Metal card is not a classic credit card in the traditional sense, but it includes features that cover many of the use cases people want credit cards for.

What you get with bunq Metal (EUR 20.99/month):

• Metal Mastercard debit card accepted everywhere Mastercard is
• Bunq’s “Credit” feature (pay now, repay later — available to eligible users)
• Travel insurance included
• Up to 25 sub-accounts with Dutch NL IBANs
• Priority customer support
• Cashback on certain spend categories

The credit feature works like a buy-now-pay-later on eligible purchases. Bunq runs its own assessment — they look at your account activity and income rather than just BKR — which makes it more accessible to expats.

Key advantage for expats: No BKR hard check in the traditional sense. If you are already using bunq as your main Dutch bank account, the Metal card with credit features is a realistic path to credit functionality within months of arriving.

Cost: EUR 20.99/month (EUR 251/year) is expensive. Only makes sense if you use the other Metal features too.

4. Revolut Metal — Flexible with Credit-Like Features

Revolut Metal at EUR 15.99/month offers:

• Virtual and physical Mastercard
• Revolut’s “Pay Later” feature (available to eligible users — not universal in NL)
• 1% cashback on card spending in Europe
• Travel lounge access (LoungeKey — up to EUR 24 reimbursement per visit)
• Overseas medical insurance
• No foreign transaction fees on spending up to EUR 40,000/month

Important caveat for the Netherlands: Revolut has no Dutch NL IBAN and does not support iDEAL or direct debits. This means Revolut cannot function as your primary Dutch account — it sits alongside a Dutch bank account. See my full Revolut review for what this means in practice.

The Pay Later credit feature is available to some Netherlands users but requires individual eligibility approval and is not guaranteed. Do not choose Revolut Metal primarily for credit access.

5. N26 Metal — Works But Has Limitations

N26 Metal at EUR 16.90/month is a German digital bank with strong European roots. The Metal card includes travel insurance, phone insurance, and a high-quality physical card.

For credit: N26 does not offer a traditional revolving credit card. Their Flex product (pay later) has been rolled out in some European markets but availability varies. In the Netherlands, N26 functions primarily as a debit account.

The bigger issue: Like Revolut, N26 does not have a Dutch NL IBAN (you get a German DE IBAN). This limits its use for Dutch salaries, Dutch subscription direct debits, and iDEAL payments.

N26 Metal is worth considering if you travel frequently in Europe and want solid travel insurance bundled with your card. It is not the right choice if your primary need is Dutch credit access.

6. Prepaid Card Alternatives

When you genuinely cannot get a credit card approved and need something that works online and internationally, prepaid Visa/Mastercard options fill the gap:

Available options:

• Wise card (debit, not prepaid, but widely accepted) — loads instantly, works in 170+ currencies, no foreign transaction fees
• Cashbuster Prepaid Visa — available at many Dutch supermarkets and petrol stations, load with cash, no credit check
• PaySafeCard — widely used for online purchases, not a physical card
• Revolut Standard (free) — works like a debit card for international spending, better rates than traditional banks

The Wise card is my top recommendation as a credit card alternative → — it is not a credit card, but for 90% of what expats actually need a credit card for (online purchases, hotel bookings, car rentals, international spending), it works equally well and often better. No credit check, instant approval, and it works the moment you top it up.

Full Comparison Table

Applying for Dutch Credit Cards: Step-by-Step

If you have been in the Netherlands less than 6 months:

1. Apply for Amex Green or Amex Gold directly at americanexpress.com/nl — best realistic chance of approval
2. Use the Wise card or Revolut Standard as a day-to-day international card in the meantime
3. Open a postpaid phone contract (KPN, T-Mobile, Vodafone) to start building BKR history
4. If you bank with ABN AMRO or ING, ask about their credit card offering and when you become eligible

If you have been in the Netherlands 6-12 months:

1. Apply for an ICS Visa through your Dutch bank (ABN AMRO or ING preferred — they can see your account history)
2. If rejected, ask the bank explicitly what you need to demonstrate and when to reapply
3. Continue with Amex if your spending pattern suits their rewards programme

If you have been in the Netherlands 12+ months:

1. ICS Visa and most Dutch credit card products should now be accessible
2. Check your BKR file at bkr.nl (free once per year) to confirm you have positive entries
3. Compare all Dutch finance options before committing to a product

Credit Cards for Specific Needs

For online shopping in the Netherlands

ICS Visa World Card or Amex Green. Both work for all major Dutch webshops (bol.com, Zalando, Coolblue, etc.). Note: many Dutch webshops prefer iDEAL — so you will still need a Dutch bank account with iDEAL capability alongside any credit card.

For travel and airport lounges

Amex Gold (Priority Pass access via Amex), Revolut Metal (LoungeKey), or Bunq Metal. If you fly frequently from Amsterdam Schiphol, compare the cost-of-living calculator against your actual travel frequency to see whether a premium card pays off.

For car rentals

Most international car rental companies require a credit card (not debit) to place a security deposit. Amex, ICS Visa, and Revolut Metal with Pay Later activated all work. The Wise card sometimes works for car rentals — policies vary by rental company and country.

For salary management

Credit cards have no bearing on salary accounts. For that, you need a Dutch bank account with an NL IBAN. See the full guide to Dutch bank accounts for expats and the ING vs ABN AMRO comparison.

Fees Deep Dive: What You Actually Pay

Foreign transaction fees

This is where many expats get caught out. Dutch ICS Visa cards charge 1.75-2.5% on non-euro transactions. Amex charges 2.99% on non-euro. Bunq Metal: 0% on spending, 0% on ATM withdrawals within limits. Revolut: 0% up to EUR 1,000/month, then 0.5%.

If you earn in euros and spend in euros, foreign transaction fees are irrelevant. If you send money home, receive money from abroad, or travel frequently, these fees compound. A Wise account alongside your Dutch credit card is often the more cost-effective approach for international transfers.

Cash advance fees

Every credit card charges a cash advance fee when you use your credit card at an ATM — typically 3-5% of the amount. Never use a credit card to withdraw cash unless it is an emergency.

Late payment fees

ICS Visa: EUR 15 late payment fee plus interest at ~14% APR on the outstanding balance. Amex: similar structure. Both report late payments to BKR, which damages your credit history. Set up automatic direct debit repayment on every credit card you open.

The Bank Account Chooser Tool

If you are still deciding between Dutch banking options, the bank account chooser tool on this site filters by expat-specific criteria including: no BSN requirement to open, English app interface, iDEAL support, and credit card availability.

Credit Card Consumer Protections in the Netherlands

One of the practical reasons to have a genuine credit card — beyond credit access — is consumer protection. Dutch law and EU regulations give credit card holders protections that debit card users do not automatically receive.

Chargeback Rights

Under the Dutch Civil Code and EU payment services regulations, credit card transactions are subject to chargeback rights when:

• A merchant fails to deliver goods or services
• A transaction is fraudulent or unauthorised
• A product does not match its description

Chargebacks on debit cards (including Maestro and most Visa Debit transactions) are processed through Visa/Mastercard’s voluntary dispute schemes rather than mandatory consumer law protections. In practice, ICS Visa and Amex have more established chargeback processes and higher success rates for disputes than debit-based products.

For large purchases: If you are buying electronics, booking travel worth over EUR 500, or paying for a service in advance, paying with a credit card gives you an additional layer of protection. This is particularly relevant for expats who may be dealing with Dutch merchants where language barriers can complicate disputes.

Amex Additional Protections

American Express cards come with built-in purchase protection, return protection, and travel insurance on their Gold and Platinum cards. The specific terms for Netherlands-issued cards differ from US Amex cards — review the current policy document before relying on these benefits.

Managing Credit in the Netherlands Long-Term

Increasing Your Credit Limit

ICS Visa limits start conservatively for new accounts. After 12 months of on-time repayments, you can request a limit increase directly via the ICS online portal or by calling customer services. Increases are typically granted in increments and reviewed against your current income and BKR record.

Amex limit reviews happen automatically and can also be triggered by requesting a review in your online account. Demonstrating consistent full repayment (not just minimum payments) is the most effective way to secure limit increases.

Closing a Credit Card Correctly

When you close a Dutch credit card, BKR records the closure. The account history remains in your BKR file for up to 5 years after closure, which continues to inform future credit assessments. This is positive if your repayment history was good — the record of responsible credit use stays on file.

Close accounts in writing (email or registered letter) and confirm a zero balance before requesting closure. Keep the written confirmation.

What Happens When You Leave the Netherlands

If you leave the Netherlands, you should close Dutch credit card accounts before departure or convert them to a different status with the issuer. Leaving an active Dutch credit card behind creates ongoing liability and potential BKR implications. Some issuers allow you to keep accounts active if you maintain a Dutch bank account for direct debit repayment — useful if you plan to return.

Credit Cards vs Debit Cards vs Wise: What Actually Covers Each Need

Many expats find that they do not actually need a traditional credit card as much as they thought once they are set up with the right combination of accounts. Here is a realistic needs assessment:

The honest answer for most expats: a Wise account handles international spending better and cheaper than any credit card. A Dutch bank account handles local spending. You need a credit card specifically for the use cases in the table above — particularly car rentals, hotel deposits, and building Dutch credit history.

If those use cases apply to you, Amex Green is the accessible entry point. If they do not, you may find you genuinely never need a Dutch credit card at all.

What I Actually Recommend

My standard advice to expats, depending on where they are in their Dutch journey:

Just arrived (0-6 months): Apply for Amex Green (EUR 71/year) if you want genuine credit. Use the Wise card for everything else. Open a postpaid phone contract to start your BKR history. Do not waste time applying for ICS Visa yet.

Settled in (6-18 months): Apply for ICS Visa World Card through your Dutch bank. Keep Amex if the rewards work for you. If you are a heavy international spender, compare Revolut Metal vs Bunq Metal — the right choice depends on whether you need a Dutch NL IBAN or prioritise travel features.

Long-term (18+ months): Standard Dutch credit card landscape applies. ABN AMRO and ING both offer competitive credit cards with increasing limits as your track record builds. Revisit annually whether your premium fintech subscription still earns its keep.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying to multiple credit card issuers at once. Every hard credit check (ICS, traditional banks) leaves a mark in your BKR file. Multiple applications in a short period signals financial distress to lenders and reduces your chances with each subsequent application. Apply to one at a time, wait for the decision, then decide next steps.

Treating Revolut as a credit card. Revolut is a debit product for most Netherlands users. If you book a hotel or rental car expecting credit card protection and you are using a Revolut debit card, you may not get the same consumer protections. Check the terms for each booking.

Ignoring daily and monthly spending costs. Premium cards at EUR 15-21/month add EUR 180-252/year to your financial outgoings. If you are not actively using the travel and insurance benefits, a basic ICS Visa at EUR 29/year is almost certainly better value.

Not setting up automatic repayment. Dutch credit card interest rates run at 12-18% APR. If you carry a balance for even a few months, you pay more in interest than the card’s annual fee. Set up automatic full repayment via direct debit on the day you open the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a credit card with no Dutch credit history?

Yes, but your options are limited. American Express Netherlands is the most accessible, as they use their own credit assessment that considers income and international Amex history rather than relying solely on Dutch BKR data. Bunq Metal and Revolut Metal offer credit-like features (buy-now-pay-later) with less stringent BKR requirements. Most traditional Dutch credit cards (ICS Visa via ABN AMRO or ING) require 6-12 months of established Dutch account history.

Does applying for a credit card affect my credit score in the Netherlands?

Yes. ICS and traditional bank issuers make a hard BKR inquiry when you apply. Too many hard inquiries in a short period can reduce your chances of approval with subsequent issuers. Amex and fintech products like bunq and Revolut use softer assessments that have less impact. As a rule: apply to one card at a time, wait for the outcome, then decide whether to apply elsewhere.

What is the credit limit I can expect as an expat?

For new expats with limited Dutch history: ICS Visa typically starts at EUR 1,000-2,500. Amex limits depend on income — the Gold card can start higher. Bunq and Revolut credit features set limits based on account activity. Limits increase over time as you demonstrate responsible repayment. After 2-3 years of positive history, EUR 5,000-15,000 is realistic for good-income earners.

Can I use a foreign credit card in the Netherlands?

Absolutely. Visa, Mastercard, and Amex issued in other countries work at all card terminals in the Netherlands. The only downsides are foreign transaction fees (typically 1.5-3% of each transaction from non-Dutch cards) and the inability to use iDEAL for online Dutch purchases. Many expats use their home-country credit card alongside a Dutch debit account for the first year — it is a perfectly functional approach.

Is the Wise card accepted for car rentals in the Netherlands?

Some car rental companies accept Wise as a debit Mastercard for rentals, but policies vary. Sixt and Enterprise have been known to accept Wise; Hertz and Avis are more likely to require a traditional credit card for the security hold. When in doubt, travel with an Amex or ICS Visa as backup.

What Dutch government benefits affect expat finances?

Beyond credit cards, your overall Dutch financial situation as an expat is shaped by the 30% ruling tax advantage (if eligible), zorgtoeslag for healthcare costs, and potentially huurtoeslag for housing. These are separate from credit access but affect how much disposable income you have — relevant when lenders assess your affordability.

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